Ship project history: In 1913 Romania ordered in Italy 4 destroyers. For that moment
they were one of the largest and strongest ships of this type. Designed armament consisted
of 5 120mm/45 guns in 2 twin and 1 single mounts, 4 76mm/40 guns and two twin 450mm TTs. Unsuccessful there was an arrangement of
torpedo banks: they were installed aside abreast medium funnel though on deck there was enough
area for their placing at centreline.
5/6/1915 destroyers laid on slipways were requisitioned by Italy which entered the First World War and renamed
Aquila, Falco, Nibbio, Sparviero respectively. As
they were significantly more larger than contemporary Italian
destroyers, they were rated as esploratori (scouts). Lack of modern fast
light cruisers has forced Italians to replace 120mm guns on three first ships by 3
single 152mm/40 Armstrong 1899 guns. On trials all exceeded contract speed: Aquila
reached 36.4kts, Falco 35.2kts, Nibbio 37.4kts, Sparviero 38.04kts, thus
machinery power at Nibbio reached48020hp. Subsequently even has been stated, that
she exceeded 40kts.
Combat experience has shown, that 152mm guns appeared unsuccessful because of excessive weight and small firing rate, therefore in 1919 ships received designed
armament.
In 1920 Sparviero and Nibbio were redeemed by Romania and named
Mărăștiand
Mărășești; 1/7/1920
they arrived to Constanza. Other two ships were never returned to Romania: in 1937 they
were sold to Navy of Spanish Nationalists and named Melilla and Ceuta.

Naval service:
In winter 1941/42 on Mărăști
there was a turbine accident because of what till end of service
her maximum speed did not exceed 22kts. 5/9/1944 both ships were captured by
Soviet troops at Constanza and 14/9/1944 were commissioned by Soviet Navy as Lyogkiy (Mărășești) and Lovkiy (Mărăști). 12/10/1945
they were returned to Romania.